Simple Herbal Salves & Balms

There is something deeply comforting about herbal remedies made by hand.

Salves and balms are among the oldest traditional herbal preparations, created to gently support and soothe the skin through simple plant-infused oils, beeswax, and nourishing herbs.

Unlike complicated skincare routines, herbal salves invite us back to slower and more intentional care—simple jars tucked into a bedside drawer, herbal oils warming quietly on the stove, and small daily moments of gentleness.

Many herbal salves are surprisingly approachable to make at home and require only a handful of ingredients to begin.

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
— Proverbs 31:26

How to Make a Simple Herbal Salve

Making herbal salves at home is often much simpler than people expect.

Most salves begin with an herb-infused oil that is gently combined with beeswax to create a nourishing balm for the skin.

Once the basic method is learned, the possibilities become beautifully adaptable depending on the herbs and oils used.

Basic Herbal Salve Method

• 1 cup herb-infused oil
• 1–2 tbsp beeswax pellets

To Make

• Add infused oil and beeswax to a small saucepan or double boiler
• Warm gently over low heat until beeswax fully melts
• Stir carefully
• Pour into clean jars or tins
• Allow to cool completely before sealing

For a firmer salve, use slightly more beeswax. For a softer balm, use slightly less.

Calendula Salve for Dry Skin Support

Calendula is one of the most beloved traditional herbs for supporting dry, sensitive, and irritated skin.

Its bright golden flowers have been used for generations in gentle topical preparations because of their soothing and comforting nature.

Calendula salves are especially beautiful during colder seasons when the skin needs extra nourishment and protection.

Simple Calendula Salve

• 1 cup calendula-infused olive oil
• 1 tbsp beeswax pellets
• Optional: 3 drops lavender essential oil

Follow the basic herbal salve method above and pour into small jars or tins to cool.

Simple Ways to Use

• Apply lightly to dry hands or elbows
• Use as an overnight hand balm
• Keep a small tin nearby during colder months

Plantain Balm for Outdoor Skin Care

Plantain has long been valued in traditional herbal practices for its soothing and comforting relationship with the skin.

Often considered one of the most approachable “backyard herbs,” plantain is commonly infused into oils and balms for simple outdoor skin care and everyday herbal preparations.

Its earthy simplicity makes it a beautiful reminder that many supportive herbs grow quietly all around us.

Simple Plantain Balm

• 1 cup plantain-infused olive oil
• 1–2 tbsp beeswax pellets
• Optional: 2 drops lavender essential oil

Follow the basic herbal salve method above and pour into clean tins or jars to cool completely.

Simple Ways to Use

• Apply to dry or rough areas of skin
• Keep in a gardening or outdoor bag
• Use as part of simple seasonal skin care routines

Rose & Oat Balm for Gentle Nourishment

Rose and oat-infused preparations have a wonderfully comforting and nourishing quality that feels both gentle and grounding.

This simple balm is especially lovely for slow evening routines, self-care moments, and creating a softer rhythm of skin care through the changing seasons.

The combination of floral rose and soothing oats creates a balm that feels calming not only to the skin, but to the senses as well.

Simple Rose & Oat Balm

• 1 cup rose and oat-infused sweet almond oil
• 1 tbsp beeswax pellets
• Optional: 2 drops rose geranium essential oil

Follow the basic herbal salve method above and pour into small jars or tins to cool.

Simple Ways to Use

• Apply lightly to hands or cuticles
• Use during evening wind-down routines
• Keep beside the bed as part of a calming nighttime ritual

Keeping Herbal Skin Care Simple

Herbal skin care does not need to be complicated to be meaningful.

Often, the most nourishing routines are the simplest ones-small jars of balm tucked into a drawer, herbs infused slowly over time, and quiet moments of care woven naturally into everyday life.

Making salves and balms by hand invites us to slow down and become more intentional about the way we care for ourselves and our homes.

There is something deeply peaceful about returning to simple ingredients, gentle rhythms, and the quiet wisdom found in traditional herbal practices.

Sometimes the simplest remedies become the most comforting ones.